Plans are underway to streamline the boda boda sector in Busia County, the newly elected chairman, Boniface Okumu, has said.
Speaking at his inauguration ceremony at the Busia Polytechnic grounds, Okumu said that they will embark on fresh registration of the members of the sector.
“The registration exercise will be carried out by various chairmen of boda boda stations,’ he said, adding that the initiative aims at getting the correct data of those working within the sector.
He further revealed that the information will later be shared with the county leadership whenever required.
The official noted that his team will also carry out the identification of the operators so that all the registered members will be allowed to operate within the county without discrimination.
Okumu pledged that operators of the sector will not be misused by illegal gangs to cause chaos within the county.
The chairman further noted that there is a need to re-conduct public participation on the decision to have the operators within the sector pay tax to the county government.
“We have not refused to pay tax, but there is a need to fulfill certain needs like boda boda sheds, the installation of security lights, and the expansion of the main road,’ he said.
The official promised to work closely with the country’s government to support the girl child through the provision of sanitary towels.
‘We also want to start giving back to the society through town cleaning, free transport for emergency cases, and blood donation,’ he said, adding that all its members will register with NHIF.
Busia Deputy County Police Commander Clement Mbavu, who graced the occasion, urged the riders to abide by traffic rules.
Mbavu noted that a number of the operators do not have the required driving licenses and insurance.
He urged the sector leaders to work closely with the security officers, adding that they should not take the law into their own hands.
The security officer at the same time advised them not to ride while under the influence of alcohol, pointing out that this exposes them to road accidents.
Mbavu at the same time urged the riders to observe moral ethics and avoid asking for sexual favors from women and schoolgirls in exchange for money and free rides.
By Victoria Magar and Jael Nambanga
